Artistic director of US’s national opera also cites ‘shattered’ donor confidence and box office revenue
The Washington National Opera (WNO) announced on Friday it is moving its performances out of the John F Kennedy Center, where it has been performing since 1971, according to a New York Times report.
Francesca Zambello, WNO’s artistic director, had said in November that the move was a possibility as a result of the “takeover” of the center by Donald Trump. Trump declared himself the chair of the institution in February and quickly thereafter fired and replaced its board and leadership.
Zambello also cited the collapse in box office revenue and “shattered” donor confidence.
Ticket sales were about 40% unsold compared with before Trump declared himself chair, said Zambello. Many people have decided to boycott the center. Every day, she receives messages of protest from formerly loyal members of the audience, she says.
